Super Cool Emerges a Contender

Fastnet Rock gelding Super Cool emerged as a genuine Victoria Derby contender on the weekend when he scored a commanding win in the Mitchelton Wines Vase, the traditional lead up on Cox Plate day.

In doing so he claimed the prized scalp of Derby favourite and (then) unbeaten Kiwi colt It's A Dundeel and is set for a re-match with that colt in Saturday's VRC Victoria Derby.

Despite the boom surrounding It's A Dundeel the Kavanagh camp went into the race confident that Super Cool had some chance to topple the Kiwi whose racing pattern might not necessarily be suited by the Moonee Valley circuit.

Jockey Michael Rodd executed a pre-race plan to perfection settling in fourth behind long shot Bullion Express (4th) who set a generous pace. The field raced in order until the 800 when rival jockey James McDonald made his move from last on It's A Dundeel. Rodd, however, had timed his run to perfection and took the lead rounding the home turn. They kicked clear in the straight and safely held It's A Dundeel who had every opportunity to pass the pair.

Both Kavanagh and Rodd were full of praise for Super Cool who collected his first stakes win at just his fifth start.

"It was a small field, my bloke has got an exceptional turn of foot and I think he is a bit underrated as well.

"About a month ago he only won his maiden at Seymour so he's come a very long way in a short amount of time", Rodd said.

Mark Kavanagh purchased Super Cool as a yearling from the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast sale for stable clients headed by father and son Angelo and Tony Torcasio who had the good fortune to race, amongst others, the 2003 Caulfield Cup and five time Group One winner Mummify.